Uplander VS Astro

I don't know if anyone has talked about this, but I've been itching to talk about these two Vans from GM. At frist when I heard they wanted to cut the Astro and use the venture I thought "ok, I see you want to use the econ van" which made some sense to me. But then they come out with Uplander which seems like it is to replace the Astro. This didn't make much sense to me. The Uplander has some pros, but they could have been implemented into the Astro. A basic run down of the pros from the Uplander is that it has better MPG, more luxury features on the inside and a much nicer ride. But, it's bigger on the outside and smaller on the inside, yea sounds an oxymoron, but yes, the Uplander is bigger and heavier than the Astro and has less interior space. It also lacks in the department of towing in comparison, 2000lbs on all models untill you get the towing package which then allows you to do 3500 lbs... I didn't understand this since the astro has 5400lbs on basically all models. The Astro could just have gotten the 3.5L motor as the base model RWD/AWD since the MPG difference between the Uplander and Astro wasn't that different. And spending lots of money to make another vehcile they could have just made the Astro look just as modern as the Uplander. While the Luxo items on the Uplander could have been a top model option on the Astro LS. This just leaves the problem with ride comfort which has been a problem with astros for a while. Maybe like the Uplander have an available option for comfort suspension package. If they did this, then people would still be able to get their hands on a RWD Mini van that could actually tow something and is easier to drive (IMO it's easier to drive an Astro than most of these MINI vans). Plus it would be cheaper to add on to the Astro then to creat a whole new vehicle. Since if you want a more economical mini van then more so then most people will probably op for the Venture. I just don't understand why they would make an Astro wanabe without any of the Astro brute in it? Since all they did was made a bulkier FWD mini van that only gets a little more MPG than the Astro with a nicer ride with luxury items...

The Astro has been around since 1985 I think, with only a minor face lift. Still a lot of people thought they were good as small utility vans. I think they were pretty much out of the (mommy mobile)minivan competition, since a lot has happened in the minivan market in 20 years. I have not driven the new GM minivans, but from what I have read, it sounds like they are a lot better than the GM vans they replace, but not as good as the top players in the minivan market (Chrysler, Toyota, Honda). Frankly IMO GM wasted their money building 4 nearly identical GOOD products(Chevy, Pontiac, Buick, Saturn), when they should have spent their money developing 1 or 2 GREAT products. GM needs to build best-in-breed, NOT most-variety-in-breed.

yea, I just think they haven't been marketing these vans well either. I mean, when a guy needs a Mini van, he doesn't want to get on really, but if he's behind one of these Astros, it's not so bad as they don't feel like sluggish mini vans. Plus astros have waaaayyy more room than mini vans.

I have a '95 Astro as some of you know. It has 190,000 miles on it and has been a great vehicle to me. Believe it or not I've even beaten V-6 Mustangs with it . Back in December my parents bought an Uplander. That was the biggest piece of crap that ever came down the tube. It was so cheap feeling and we had one problem after another with it. It was nowhere near as good as the Astro. Thankfully they were able to trade it in for a Durango back in March. But back to the comparison....I just don't even see the comparison. The Astro was a strong, roomy RWD van whereas the Uplander is a weak piece of crap. I never understood why GM didn't do something more with the Astro.

My 90 Astro may be a dinasour, but she has been the best all round vehicle that I have ever owned. It has been my primary vehicle since 1992, when I bought it used; it was a Red Cross Van! It's at 308,000 and still going strong. It was originally my work vehicle for heavy constuction and it held up very well, outlasting everything around it. It is an unbeatable work vehicle, good room, good power, and excellent dependability. I will never buy a "mommy hauler" to replace it! I really don't plan on ever selling it!

the truck we used to haul some of our 4 wheelers yesterday was a early 90s F350 with a 351 and it has around 230 thousand miles. my friends dad uses the truck to haul a trailor for doing vynal siding work. he hopes to get another 100 thousand before selling it.
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I've had a little rust fixed before I had it painted and more rust has appeared over the drivers side rear fender lip. I had it painted about 7 years ago, the paint was falling off the roof and drivers door, but I kept it stock white, I kind of regret that now..... It really looks pretty good and drives great. I don't think the motor will ever quit!